Maggie Smith’s Indian Adventure

Dame Margaret Natalie Smith, more commonly known as “Maggie” is an acting legend. So how could this be a blog on Scotland’s Film Scene without mentioning someone of her calibre?

Having been performing for 60 years she is still going strong with her most recent release being in “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel." Smith portrays a hard-nosed bigoted woman called Muriel, who gradually begins to soften and show a more vulnerable side after spending time in India for a hip replacement. The film features a number of elderly people who have all travelled to India for different reasons, after being advertised the false image of a beautiful hotel. The reality is far from what they originally thought, however, with the hopeless but loveable hotel manager, Sonny, who is struggling to fulfil his dreams; played by Dev Patel the star of “Slumdog Millionaire.” Amongst the cast are fellow acting heroes: Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson and Bill Nighy. The heart-warming film follows the characters through huge milestones in each of their lives and sees unlikely relationships blossom.

Cast of "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"

As Professor McGonagall

Maggie Smith has also recently starred in much loved TV series “Downton Abbey” where she plays the character of Violet Crawley. And, of course, playing the role of Professor McGonagall in the mammoth “Harry Potter” franchise, which made the author; J.K. Rowling worth an estimated £620 million ($1 billion) as of March 2011 and created a world-wide fan base.

Smith is also involved in the comedy, drama “Quartet” which isn’t to be released until November 2012. Staring alongside Michael Gambon and Billy Connoly, Dame Maggie plays Jean who causes trouble for her ex-husband Reggie and other residents living in the home for retired opera singers. Directed by Dustin Hoffman, the film’s storyline revolves around residents who want to take part in a birthday concert, with the character of Jean acting like a diva and disrupting the show.